Rome, 9th June 2017 – The consolidation of the collaboration of Trenitalia with the European Association of the Vie Francigene occurred for the integration of the railway and the route, from the Aosta Valley to Rome on foot or by bike.
The aim of the accord, which provides a 10% reduction on railway travel for pilgrims utilising regional trains, is to promote sustainable transport along the European route. This, as stated by Slow Tourism, the worldwide tourism organisation, is one of the fundamental sections with a potential for great growth.
There are 22 railway stations that follow the course of the Via Francigena, spread among the regions of the Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and Lazio. People of every age are becoming more and more interested in these types of ‘experiential’ holidays, which teach and encourage respect for the environment and the support of local economies.
The Via Francigena crosses Europe with a backdrop of wonderful nature and culture of immense value, allowing people to immerse themselves in the most authentic form of the country’s history and atmosphere.
Three months since the signing of the accord the first notable results have become evident: over 4,000 credentials distributed and over 100,000 monthly visitors to the dedicated webpages. In addition to this, there are over thirty active credential distribution points along the entire European tract, from Canterbury to Rome. For more information please visit www.viefrancigene.org.
